Processed through anaerobic fermentation, this lot is rich with boozy liqueur chocolate flavour, with a little hawthorn twang that lingers in the aftertaste. That deep, velvety character has become a bit of a cult hit in China, with more and more estates chasing that profile — and this one's the best of the lot. Literally. In Feb 2024, Yun Dian Coffee hosted a cupping of 24 standout “liquor coffees” from across Yunnan. This one took the crown — officially dubbed the King of Liquor Coffee.
It comes from Yirong Coffee Estate, nestled in Menglian County, Pu’er — a properly beautiful bit of Yunnan. Think subtropical mountain climate, natural spring water, and over 600,000 coffee trees across 2,000 acres. They grow mainly Catimor p3 and p4, and take a quality-first approach: ripe cherry only, compost over chemicals, and meticulous drying on African beds.
What you get is a coffee that’s sweet, fresh, and rich, with layers of fermented fruit and deep chocolate complexity. It’s indulgent but clean, warming but bright. A perfect match for something sticky and savoury on the side.
